The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1887-07-27


gentlemen. | consider it one OF the
greatest needs of our school system"
Supt. Preston: ~ have given the sub
iect much thought and study. | have
compared the efforts of various States
for State uniformity. As a rule, such
efforts fail. [ think uniformity by
counties TO be practicable and desirable,
but not so by States"
The Association was then entertained
by short comedy, entitled, ''The Seven
Old Maids, which was much enjoyed.
Then the banquet, given by the people
of Starkville, was fully equal to all the
demands of the inner man. 1t was
luscious feast of ice-cream, cakes, nuts,
and fruit in abundance. The adjourn
ment was informal.
9o'clock, July 10, Association called
to order by the President. Prayer by
Rev. I. G.. Sellers.
The first paper presented was by Mr..
A. J. Aveu, of Winona. Subject,
Teachers Reading Circle" He showed
its historical development from lecture
reading circle was organized about six
years ago, uN lHS OulO 1cdCuSAs Assn
citation. He showed these circles to be
beneficial in many ways, improving
their social nature, their conversational
powers, and tending to a high state of
mental culture in general. His paper
was heard with great interest through
out.
Mr.. Barrows next presented careful
ly prepared paper on 'School Examina-
tons" He stated in the outset that his
paper was in reference to examinations
in free schools. Examinations should
be among the first exercises of these
schools Pupils should be examined in
their first readers thoroughly, and they
should read several different ones, too
and then be examined in part upon a
still different reader Before passing
the first reader, they should be taught
to write, then to copy by dictation.
Numbers should be illustrated with OBJ
Iect lessons. All examinations should
be written; they serve instead of COM
positions, and prepare them for higher
examinations. Never correct mistakes,
but underscore and let pupils discover
mistakes, allowing pupils to find each
others mistakes. Oral review eXamina-
tons should be held at the close of each
term. These stimulate both teacher
and pupil. Parents are protited by at
tending such. There is much fOgyisn
in college professors, who make out
their long. tedious, dry examinations at
set times and then seize their grip-sacks
and HE away to the mountains of Ten
nessee and springs of Virginia. This
stiff formal sort of teaching turns out
many college graduates who are failures
| in life. The establishment of industrial
and technical schools is evidence of the
| inefficieucy of Universities. Generally,
the higher the institution of learning
the more craBanling there is carried on
| for these examinations. Let semi
annual examinations be abolished, and
monthly substituted. Let pupils show
on examinations not so much what they
know as what they can do. Give them
their books and ascertain what they can
do.
Mr.. Alternately: 81 favor pub lie ex-
aminations, and think that teachers can
very well ascertain, while pupils are on
the floor, what they know of the sub
ject."
Mr.. Dickey: 81 do not see that exam
nations are necessary to ascertain
whether or not pupil is prepared for a
higher class. A teacher is very negli-
gent if he cannot tell after teaching the
boy or girl every day for months. They
are all right for exhibitions and the
like, but not necessary to pass"
Mr.. Fellows: 81 would like to defend
the college graduates in whom the pub
lie is disappointed. | am prepared for
almost anything in general and nothing
in particular. Hence / see the necessity
for technical schools. But this / know,
that a little learned well, is more valua-
BILE than much learned indiferently.
The old proverb is true, "CaUe a5 homiae
u1a,us tibri," Beware of him of one book"
At this point the discussion became
spirited and rapid on examinations of
teachers, superintendents, etc. So it
was agreed to arrest all discussion till
the papers were all presented.
w. E. Saunders read the next paper,
on "The Benefits of Attractions in the
School Room and Surroundings" We
cannot, for want of room, give synopsis.
We hope this essay and the following
one viii be published.
The next paper was on "Importance
of Methods" by Mr.. Wooten, of West
Point" This subject was ably handled.
Ex-Supt. j. NJ. Carter nad prepared a
very able paper on the new school law,
which was read by proxy. 1t showed
some wonderful improvements in the
new law over the old. The statistics,
especially, ought TO be published
Next on the program was "Use and
Abuse of Public Exercises" This at
tracted the undivided attention of the
Association during its reading, and re-
fected great credit upon its author.
Supt. E. A. Pace.
The regular work was closed by a lee
ture by Mr.. F. A. Gully, on the subject,
Should Agriculture be Taught in Pub
lie SchoolsT He showed it to be a
necessity, from the fact that agriculture
is the chief occupation of Mississippians.
His lecture throughout was we'll re-
ceived.
The usual resolutions were then pass
ed, thanking the choir, the people of
Starkville, the railroads, etc. The next
Association is to be at Macon.
Before closing, Supt. Preston made
very earnest speech, showing that his
heart was fully in the work, and that it
was his earnest wish to make the school
law success.
The Association then adjourned, with
the best of feeling every way. A little
before sunset the whole Association was
invited by Prof. Gully to visit the A. &
NJ, which they accepted, under his
leadership, and enjoyed very much.
JOHN w. JOHNSON.